Prominent distributor takes over sales of keg wines in France

Soufflet Vigne has become the exclusive distributor of KeyKeg barrels for the wine market in France”, stated a press release issued by the new subsidiary of the InVivo group. The wine and vine supplier is taking over storage and distribution in France of the range of PET wine barrels from the Dutch company OneCircle (available in 10, 20 and 30-litre formats). The innovative technology was presented at the 2017 Sitevi trade fair and is viewed as a good way for Soufflet Vigne to establish itself in the wine industry's distribution networks.

The French distributor believes that this “sophisticated packaging in lightweight PET kegs” allows for “better stock management throughout the distribution chain, savings in transport costs and less waste, and a much broader range of wine by the glass for customers” in the hospitality channel. Allowing wine to be dispensed straight from the barrel (like beer), the KeyKeg promises to prolong the aroma and flavour qualities of the wine once the barrel is opened for up to 4 weeks, through a pump with compensator. Specific equipment is needed to fill and dispense from the barrels. The filling rack and dispense head are sold by Soufflet, with a variety of options in the Vinextase range of cellar equipment. The supplier adds that wines packed in KeyKeg must be “filtered and particle-free”.